2.5 human resource decisions

Question 1

what is an organisational structure?

Answer 1

its how a business organises its staff to represent the different layers of management

Question 2

what are the two main types of organisational structures?

Answer 2

flat and hierarchal(tall)

Question 3

what is a hierarchal structure?

Answer 3

this is a structure with narrow spans of control and lots of layers of management

Question 4

what is a flat structure?

Answer 4

a flat structure has wide spans of control and few levels of hierarchy with few layers of management

Question 5

give 3 benefits of a hierarchal structure?

Answer 5

-clear well defined hierarchy-responsibilities are clear
-more opportunities for promotion-increased motivation for staff
-narrow spans of control-better supervision-fewer mistakes or miscommunications

Question 6

give 3 drawbacks of a hierarchal structure?

Answer 6

-longer lines of communication-more complex-delays/distortion of info
-slower decision making-long chains of command-slower communication
-more layers of management-more expensive-pay higher salaries

Question 7

give three benefits of a flat structure?

Answer 7

-quick decision making-shorter chains of command-employees have more autonomy to make decisions in role-feel more involved
-improved employee collaboration and communication-more innovation-more competitive
-cheaper-cost savings in salaries-less managers

Question 8

give three drawbacks of a flat structure?

Answer 8

1.less supervision-more employees for managers to supervise(wide span of control)-may lead to more mistakes
2.fewer opportunities for promotion-less motivation
3.lots of delegation may overburden employees-lower motivation and lower staff retention

Question 9

what is a centralised structure?

Answer 9

this is when decisions are made by senior managers at the head office

Question 10

what is a decentralised structure?

Answer 10

this is when employees(managers) in branches,departments or factories are given the authority to make decisions

Question 11

give three benefits of centralised structures

Answer 11

1.consistency across all stores/departments-consistent customer experience-reliable
2.high levels of control-can maintain standards-less mistakes
3.vision of organisation is clear-same aims and culture of business environment

Question 12

give three drawbacks of centralised structures

Answer 12

1.very rigid-less flexible in decision making-same people making all the decisions
2.lower motivation in junior managers-no say in decisions-feel uninvolved/unheard-less innovation
3.products may not suit local tastes and preferences-don’t know local preferences or communities